Eight Men Arraigned in Connection with Drug Trafficking Scheme

BOSTON – Ten men and one woman have been indicted in connection with allegedly trafficking, possessing, and distributing narcotics in the Commonwealth, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced today.

(Below is a list of all other individuals who were indicted yesterday.)

The charges stem from an extensive drug trafficking investigation resulting in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, thousands of dollars, and several vehicles.

As part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into the activities of Gerald Esposito, age 40, of Boston in March 2011. The investigation focused on Esposito’s alleged extensive drug network, which included the wholesalers from whom he bought narcotics, partners with whom he collaborated, and the customers to whom he sold the product.

In June 2011 search warrants were authorized for searches of locations and vehicles associated with the co-defendants Esposito, Daniele, Tracia, Velasquez, and Giannetti as well as their persons. Pursuant to the warrants, Esposito was arrested while meeting with Daniele, resulting in the seizure of $2,594 cash and several types of drugs in quantities ready for sale. Further execution of the search warrants resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, ammunition, approximately $75,000 cash, several vehicles, and other materials associated with narcotics dealing.

The Special Grand Jury in Suffolk Superior Court returned indictments against the 11 defendants on September 15, 2011. Eight of the defendants were arraigned yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court at which time each entered individual pleas of not guilty. They will return to court on November 3, for a pre-trial conference.

These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Assistant Attorneys General Patrick Hanley and Anne Kaczmarek of AG Coakley’s Enterprise and Major Crimes Division are prosecuting this case. It was investigated by the Special Service Section, Suffolk County Detective Unit and Attorney General’s Detective Unit of the State Police, with assistance from the Revere Police Drug Control Unit and the Boston Police Special Investigations Unit. Victim/Witness Advocate Ashley Cinelli is also assigned to the investigation.

Defendants and Charges

Gerald Esposito, age 40, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on $100,000 bail

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Trafficking in Cocaine Over 100 grams

Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone

Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana

Reckless Behavior Creating Risk of Serious Bodily Injury to a Child

Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

Possession of Oxycodone with Intent to Distribute

Possession of Buprenophine

Possession of Lorazepam

Steven Tracia, age 55, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on 9/20/11. He was released on $125,000 bail

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Trafficking in Cocaine Over 200 grams

Marino Velasquez, age 51, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Held on $125,000 bail

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Trafficking in Cocaine Over 200 grams

Possession of Cocaine

Kettia Piris, age 23, of Revere: To be arraigned on 11/2/11

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Trafficking in Cocaine Over 100 grams

Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Anthony Vigorito, age 54, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on Personal Recognizance

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone

Anthony Giannetti, age 33, of Revere: Defaulted at arraignment and a warrant issued for his arrest

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana

Possession of Ammunition

Ferdinando Daniele, age 64, of Revere: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Held on $50,000 bail

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Trafficking in Cocaine Over 28 grams

Paul Mattarese, age 51, of Maine: Arrested in Maine on September 23, 2011 on warrant issued out of Suffolk Superior Court. Held without bail in Maine and is awaiting rendition

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Trafficking in Cocaine Over 28 grams

Habitual Criminal (2 counts)

Anthony Ascenzo, age61, of North End, Boston: Arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court. Released on Personal Recognizance